OurQuadCities (WHBF) — The Hawkeyes have won nine of the last 10 games against Minnesota, but they know Saturday’s showdown won’t be easy.

“A lot on the line certainly, a rivalry trophy involved, and we know it’ll be a great environment,” said Kirk Ferentz, Iowa football’s head coach.

“Ya know, (Minnesota is) going to pose some challenges for us on Saturday, but we’re looking forward to that,” said Logan Jones, an Iowa offensive lineman. “How you respond to that, a little bit of adversity, is who is going to come out with a win.”

Minnesota’s defense is stout. The unit had nine sacks in its win against Nebraska on Oct. 17.

“(It’s all about) getting the ball out quick, making quick decisions so that the defense doesn’t end up affecting you,” said Mark Gronowski, Iowa’s starting quarterback. “I’m gonna have time to have a 3-step drop and a hitch on every single throw. So I should be able to make a couple decisions, read some guys, and be able to make plays out there with that kind of blitz and pressure that they’re giving us.”

“A lot of man coverage, and I think going back to the Rutgers game they were more man as well,” said Kaden Wetjen, an Iowa wide receiver. “Just knowing that receiving room we just got to be physical, and I know if we do our job we can make a big impact on Saturday. So we’re super excited.”

“Once you get into a certain situation with these guys yardage-wise, they throw a lot of stuff at you, a lot of creative stuff, and it’s a challenge, plus it’s just a challenge even if they were straight rushing because the probabilities always go down,” Ferentz said. “So a big part of our success I think this Saturday is going to have to be being productive 1st and 2nd down so we’re not looking at a lot of 3rd and 7s, 3rd and 8s because they’ve proven they can be very effective when that comes to bat.”

For Iowa’s defense, physicality is the name of the game, and it starts with reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week Xavier Nwankpa.

“Really just keep playing, keep playing. You’re gonna keep getting better every day. That’s really what this program is about, developmental program. You’re gonna get better whether you want to or not, you’re going to get better out here. Really just I’m thankful for the coaches and what they’ve been able to help me and help me pursue my dreams,” Nwankpa said.

“It was a matter of time before (Xavier Nwankpa) had a game like he did against Penn State. Just seeing him come down and those big hits that he has. He’s not afraid of contact at all, and he really showed up on Saturday, and I’m looking forward to him building off it,” said Aaron Graves, an Iowa defensive lineman.

“(Xavier) has a great attitude, works hard, and you hope when you’re a junior or a senior you’re playing your best football, and I think that’s what we’ve seen with him, playing last year and playing this year,” Ferentz said. “He’s clearly playing at his highest level.”

The Hawkeyes and Golden Gophers kickoff at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday inside Kinnick Stadium.